The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s investigation into fifth-ranked women’s bantamweight contender Julianna Pena‘s December arrest for assault is complete.
On Dec. 20, The Ultimate Fighter 18 winner was arrested in the early morning hours outside of nightclub in Spokane, Washington and charged with two counts of assault. Pena reached an agreement with the prosecutor’s office and is now cleared to returned to competition with the condition that she participate in counseling.
“Pena recently came to a resolution with the Prosecutor’s Office in Spokane County, Washington. The resolution was thoroughly reviewed by Campbell & Williams, a Las Vegas-based law firm hired by UFC to oversee its investigation into the matter,” read a statement released by the fight promotion on Monday.
“UFC elected not to schedule Pena for a bout while the legal proceedings were ongoing. Now that the matter has been resolved, Pena is eligible to return to competition in the UFC and will be scheduled for a bout in the near future.
“While UFC is supportive of the resolution of Pena’s criminal matter, Pena acknowledges that her actions as a professional athlete should reflect well of her, the sport of mixed martial arts, and the UFC. Consequently, Pena has volunteered to participate in counseling as a condition for her return to the Octagon,” the statement read.
Pena last fought on Oct. 3, defeating Jessica Eye by unanimous decision.
